Hudson Scholars is Hackley’s transformative, tuition-free enrichment program that empowers academically promising middle school students from Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown. Focused on supporting low-income students, the program extends Hackley’s educational resources to foster academic achievement, character development and leadership skills.
Beyond the Classroom
This dynamic four-week summer program, paired with year-round support, helps prevent summer learning loss while cultivating resilience, empathy and community.
Guided by Hackley teachers and Upper School student-mentors, Scholars engage in academic enrichment in subjects like math, English, social studies and the arts. Field trips, team-building activities and family events further enhance their learning and growth.
Fostering Leadership, Confidence and Community Impact
In addition to academic growth, Hudson Scholars emphasizes leadership and civic values. The program helps students develop confidence, curiosity and leadership skills, equipping them for success in high school and beyond. During high school, the program continues to provide guidance, especially in navigating the college application process.
Hudson Scholars not only transforms the lives of its students, but also creates growth opportunities for Hackley’s teachers and student-mentors. Mentors embrace leadership, serve as role models, and reflect deeply on the importance of community and service. Together, Scholars and mentors build an environment rooted in Hackley’s core values, creating lasting memories and a profound impact on all involved.
Meet the Director
David Sykes joined Hackley in 2011 as an Upper School history and economics teacher. Over the years, he has taken on various roles, including boarding associate, dean and multi-season coach. He currently serves as head coach of Girls’ Varsity Tennis.
In 2016, David founded the Hudson Scholars program, where he continues to serve as director. His vision for the program was inspired by his passion for building community, expanding access to education, fostering leadership and mentorship, and creating opportunities for growth and shared joy.
David lives on campus with his wife, Miri, and their two children, Isabella and Christopher ’37.
Hudson Scholars is a program of transformation. Both the Scholars and the mentors enter as themselves but leave as an even better version of who they were — with new thoughts, ideas, relationships and character. Everyone learns to be a leader and impacts the everyday lives of the people around them.
— E.J. R. '24
The program is full of love, support and kindness. I never would have imagined walking in that I'd actually feel like part of this family in the way that I do. ... Everyone benefits from the relationship and bonds formed, and I hope the bonds I've made with the Scholars last me beyond my time at Hackley.
— Sami R. '23
Hudson Scholars is a family that helps everyone feel included and become better students/people while helping them to challenge themselves at a comfortable pace.
— Juarlin, Hudson Scholar '23
The Hudson Scholars program is not just a program to me; it's more like a supportive family that pushes you to your limits and guides you when you make mistakes.
— Jameson, Hudson Scholar '25
My favorite part is the mentors — they make everything a lot more exciting and a lot more fun. Plus they understand that school can be stressful, and so they make sure that we are having the best time and making the most of our summer.
— Julissa, Hudson Scholar, Summers '18 & '19
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